01
Structural design
Footings, slabs, framing, bracing and tie-downs, with calculations and structural drawings.
STRUCTURES / DESIGN / CONSULTING
Engineering and approvals for small homes, granny flats and modular builds.
RPEQ-registered engineers in Queensland. Drawings, reports and certificates for building approval, from one team you can talk to.
CREDENTIALS
Certified & compliant
Every design follows the National Construction Code (NCC), including the Livable Housing Design Standard for new homes.
Engineers Australia
Chartered engineers (CPEng), listed on the National Engineering Register (NER)
RPEQ
Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland
Insured
Professional indemnity for structural engineering
Form 15 & 12
Design and inspection certificates for your certifier
NCC compliant
Designed to the National Construction Code
Livable housing
Livable Housing Design Standard for new homes
WHAT WE DO
Everything your certifier needs, in one place.
We prepare the engineering package for building approval, designed to the NCC and the Livable Housing Design Standard, so your certifier gets everything from one engineering team.
02VIA PARTNER
Soil test
We arrange the site soil test with our testing partner and use it in the footing design.
03
Wind report
Wind classification for your site, which sets the roof, frame and tie-down design.
04COMING SOON
Energy efficiency report
Energy efficiency assessment (EER) for new homes, extensions and granny flats.
05
Form 15 & Form 12
Form 15 design certificate, then Form 12 structural and building inspections on site.
06
Structural assessments
Assessments of existing structures, defects and cracking, and checks for changes such as wall removal.
The result: one consistent engineering package, ready for your building certifier.
TYPICAL PROJECTS
Small projects are our core business, not a side job.
Builders, homeowners, building designers and modular manufacturers deal directly with the engineer on their job. Here is what each type of project usually involves.
02
Granny flats & secondary dwellings
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Structural design and drawings
- Footings or slab, frame and tie-downs
- Form 15 and Form 12 inspections
WHAT TO SEND US
Request a quote →
- Plans from your building designer
- Site address
03
Extensions, decks & renovations
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Structural design for the new work
- Beams, posts and footings
- Form 15 and Form 12 inspections
WHAT TO SEND US
Request a quote →
- Plans or photos of the existing structure
- Site address
HOW WE WORK
From plans to approval in four steps.
01
Brief & quote
Send your plans and the site address. We reply with a written quote.
02
Drawings & reports
Structural design and drawings, soil test and wind report.
03
Certification
Form 15 and the full document package for your building certifier.
04
Inspections
Form 12 structural and building inspections during construction.
ABOUT VIX
Engineers you can actually talk to.
VIX is a Queensland structural engineering consultancy focused on residential and modular construction, from structural design to approval. We started VIX because small builds deserve the same engineering care as large ones, from an engineer who is easy to reach.
Specialists, not generalists
Homes, granny flats and modular buildings are our core work.
Direct access
You speak with the engineer working on your project.
Plain-English advice
We explain what your project needs and why, without the jargon.
FAQ
Your project, explained.
Building approval comes with a lot of new terms. Here is what each part of the process means, in plain English.
Ask us a question
WORKING WITH US
Can you handle the engineering for approval?
Yes. Working from your building designer’s plans, we prepare the structural design, arrange the soil test, provide the wind report and issue Form 15 and Form 12, so your certifier receives one consistent engineering package.
What do I need to send for a quote?
The plans from your building designer and the site address. If you already have a survey or soil test, send them too.
What kind of projects do you take on?
Small Class 1a homes, granny flats, extensions and decks, and modular or portable homes.
EACH PART OF YOUR PROJECT
Site survey (surveyor)
A registered surveyor measures the site: boundaries, levels, existing buildings, trees and services. It is the base for the design and for checking setbacks. Ask us if you need one.
Soil test
A geotechnical test that classifies how reactive the ground is (Class A, S, M, H1, H2, E or P). It sets the footing and slab design. We arrange it through our testing partner.
Wind report
Sets the wind classification for your site, such as N2 or N3, based on location, terrain and shielding. It decides how the roof, frame and tie-downs resist wind.
Structural drawings
Show the footings, slab, framing, beams, bracing and tie-downs, with sizes and connections. They are backed by engineering calculations to the Australian Standards.
Energy efficiency report (EER)
Shows how the home meets the NCC energy efficiency requirements for the building fabric and services. This service is coming soon at VIX.
NCC (National Construction Code)
The national set of minimum requirements for safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability in buildings. Houses are covered in Volume Two and the Housing Provisions.
Livable Housing Design Standard
Part of the NCC for new homes. It covers features such as a step-free path and entrance, wider internal doors and corridors, a toilet on the entry level, a step-free shower and wall reinforcement for future grab rails.
Form 15
A design compliance certificate. The engineer confirms the design complies with the building code, and your certifier needs it before approving the work.
Building certifier
Assesses your plans against the NCC and planning rules, issues the building approval and inspects the work at key stages before the final certificate.
Form 12
An aspect inspection certificate. A competent person inspects a stage of the work on site, such as footings or framing, and certifies it complies. We issue Form 12 for structural and building aspects.
RPEQ
A Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland. Professional engineering work in Queensland must be done or supervised by an RPEQ, and certifiers expect RPEQ-signed documents.
GET A QUOTE
Have a project? Talk to an engineer.
Send your plans and a few details, and we will get back to you with a quote.